TRAJAN: The Best Emperor Who Expanded Rome to Its Greatest Extent

A thoroughly researched account of the general who became a celebrated ruler.

Few mortals achieve the title Optimus Princeps: The Best Emperor. Marcus Ulpius Traianus gained this acclaim by governing the mighty Roman state from AD 98 to 117. This authoritative work documents the rise of a soldier from Hispania who commanded the legions and defined the pinnacle of imperial power.

Prepare for intense reading as the narrative details the climactic Dacian Wars, a brutal conflict that secured vast new territory beyond the Danube and funneled unimaginable gold into Roman coffers. Follow the military campaigns east to the Parthian expedition, where Trajan succeeded in seizing the enemy capital of Ctesiphon and pushing the empire to its absolute territorial maximum in AD 117.

This book presents an exciting portrait of military genius coupled with effective civic administration. Trajan was a builder of magnificent forums, a sponsor of welfare programs (alimenta), and a leader who earned the respect of the Senate and the populace. This definitive study confirms why his reign stands as the most consequential period in Roman imperial history. A mandatory purchase for every reader passionate about the world of ancient power and Roman military might.